Washington, D.C. — The NAACP is condemning reported discussions inside the Navy about renaming a future aircraft carrier currently designated to honor Black World War II hero Doris Miller, with President Donald Trump reportedly considered as a replacement namesake.
CNN reported that Navy officials have discussed changing the name of CVN-81, which was designated the future USS Doris Miller in 2020. Two sources told CNN that Trump’s name has been considered, although no final decision has been announced. Naming an aircraft carrier after a sitting president would be unprecedented.
NAACP President Derrick Johnson called the possibility “a slap in the face” to military heroes and service members. Miller was serving aboard the USS West Virginia during the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor when he helped wounded sailors and fired an anti-aircraft gun despite having no formal training. He became the first Black American awarded the Navy Cross.
The carrier would also be the first named for a Black American and the first honoring an enlisted sailor for actions performed while serving in the ranks.
CNN reported that Navy officials have considered honoring Miller with another warship and recommending him posthumously for the Medal of Honor.
Neither the Navy nor Pentagon has publicly confirmed that Trump will replace Miller as the carrier’s namesake, leaving the proposed change under discussion rather than finalized.
Sources
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